MATALAM, Cotabato — Police authorities seized a large haul of smuggled cigarettes and arrested a suspect during a checkpoint operation along the national highway in Barangay Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato on the night of January 2, underscoring intensified efforts against illegal trade.
According to the Matalam Municipal Police Station (MPS), a joint team composed of Matalam MPS personnel, RID-12, the 1203rd Maneuver Company of RMFB-12, and the CPPO 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company conducted a routine checkpoint at the Estellore Crossing around 8:35 p.m. The operation was launched following prior intelligence reports that a shipment of smuggled cigarettes would be transported from Kabacan, Cotabato to Matalam.
The team flagged down a blue Kia Bongo truck bearing temporary plate number 1201-39603 after noticing several boxes of cigarettes in plain view. The driver, identified only by the alias “Mel,” a resident of Barangay Kilada, failed to present any legal documents to prove the legitimacy of the cargo.
Authorities confiscated an estimated 145 reams of cigarettes, with an assessed market value reaching up to ₱98,187.50. Earlier police estimates placed the value of the seized items at around ₱50,000, pending final inventory and validation by concerned agencies. The contraband cigarettes were impounded as evidence and temporarily brought to the Matalam MPS for proper documentation before their scheduled turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The suspect is currently detained at the Matalam Municipal Police Station and will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Police officials said the successful operation highlights their continuing commitment to curbing smuggling activities that undermine government revenue, harm legitimate businesses, and pose risks to public health. Authorities also vowed to further intensify checkpoint operations and intelligence-driven actions to stop the illegal trade of goods in the province.